What To Do With Familial Disapproval Of Your Relationship

The holidays are upon us and there is so much to do. Other than worrying about buying Christmas gifts, you also have to plan a trip to your parents’ house. Most likely, you’ll be bringing your partner along to spend the holiday with your family. You don’t have to worry about a thing if everyone is in good terms with each other, but what about those who are experiencing familial disapproval when it comes to their relationship?

How To Deal With Familial Disapproval

Familial disapproval is a common problem that couples face. Because the holidays have basically arrived, the pressure could be on to figure out a way for your partner and family to get along. This could seem like an impossible task to do but here are practical suggestions that you can apply before your trip:

1. No, don’t sweep the issue under a rug.

Most of the time, what couples do is just ignore the issue and wait for it to resolve itself. Let’s face it, it’s never going to happen. Mentally and emotionally, you have to be ready to have an open discussion with your family and significant other.

2. Have a meeting with your family first.

Do you value your family’s opinion? If you do, have a meeting with them and ask them, plain and simple, why they dislike your partner. It could be because of the lack of chemistry or they might see something in your relationship you are not. Whatever the case is, you have to understand where they are coming from. At the same time, they also have to understand that the person you are with is an important part of your life.

3. Talk to your significant other.

After you’ve has a meeting with your family, the next person that you need to talk to is your partner. If he or she is aware of the disapproval, you have to understand how your partner feels. He or she might have to adjust their attitude a bit, but it’s best to reassure them that you will be by their side the entire time. This should ease your partner’s worry about feeling alone, abandoned or left out.

Remember that reasonable people will likely do their part to get along with others around them. What you can do, since it is your family, is to look at the situation as objectively as possible. Come up with a bonding experience that the entire family and your partner can do. The rest will be up to them. For more tips on relationships, read more from our blog.